Gezicht op de oostzijde van de tempel van Candi Kidal, Oost-Java 1880 - 1905

This is Herman Salzwedel’s photograph, of the east side of the temple Candi Kidal in East Java. It is a muted image, dominated by the monument’s towering, terraced structure. The temple rises in distinct tiers, each intricately carved, contrasting with the surrounding soft foliage. The temple's architecture uses a clear visual language: the solid base represents stability, while the ornate upper levels signify a connection to the divine. Salzwedel focuses on the temple’s physicality, employing the photographic medium to explore form and texture. Notice how the play of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the structure. The photograph invites us to consider how monuments function as signs. The temple is not just a building; it is a symbol of power, spirituality, and cultural memory. Salzwedel’s composition draws attention to the temple’s verticality, emphasizing its aspiration towards the heavens and prompting reflections on cultural identity.